Photo of the Day 08-31-09: Ponce Inlet Beach Patrol in HDR

Ponce Inlet Beach Patrol HDR
Originally uploaded by Emanon Photography

I was checking out some locations for photo shoots today and decided to play with getting some HDR exposures. This is the composite of 5 exposures, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2 EV. Shot them in Av at f.13 with a 70-300mm Tamron at 70mm, on a tripod mounted Canon 40D.

This is the first HDR photo I have really tried, and I first tried using photoshop CS4 and the automated action to convert it to HDR, but that had less then stellar results. so I downloaded the trial version of HDR Photomatix for Aperture 2. and, I could instantly see why everyone who shoots HDR images seems to swear by the photomatix software.

I think the printed photo looks even better, like an old time postcard. Looks like I'll have to invest in the photomatix software to get a license to get the watermarks removed.

Photo of the Day: Fireworks before the launch

Fireworks before the launch
Originally uploaded by Emanon Photography

I got this shot last night while waiting for the STS-128 Discovery Launch, I thought we might get another weather scrub tonight, since I shot this lightning minutes before the launch. Incidentally, I had boosted my ISO up to 800 to get the lightning, and forgot to knock it back down to 100 for the shuttle launch, so the launch photo almost got blown out, chalk it up to a lesson learned. It was a great night of natural and man-made fireworks. I tweaked the color a little in Apperture 2 to make the lightning really pop, and I reduced the noise in Photoshop CS4.

How to Photograph a night Space Shuttle Launch

How to Photograph a night Space Shuttle Launch
Originally uploaded by Emanon Photography

Ok, as I said in the photo description on Flickr this is not a space shuttle launch in this photo, it was an atlas 5 rocket, but the same principles apply. I'm writing this because there are not a lot of photographers that I have seen try shooting real long exposures of launches.

Lets first talk equipment, an SLR or D-SLR camera with 'bulb' exposure mode and a cable or remote release, and a Tripod. A wide angle lens will allow for a longer streak of light from the shuttle. You need to use bulb mode because the 30 sec. exposure which is usually the longest without bulb mode is not long enough.

Locaiton, location, location... I like shooting near the water. The relfection really adds to the photo and gives a sense of place and scale. This photo was taken just at the water line I was basicly standing in the ocean in front of the Flagler Ave. beach ramp in new Smyrna Beach, FL. I have also taken pictures along the river. Find a location that works for you, and know where the launch pad is in relation to where you are. you will have to set up your composition before the launch.

Compose the shot how you think it will look good. Remember the shuttles will arch east out to the ocean. once your shot is composed. Set the focus on the farthest object you see, and switch your lens into manual focus mode. I like to tape my lens so it will not move.

Set your camera to ISO 100, f22. Enable 'Mirror Lock-up' and use a 2 second timer with the remote or cable. Also enable any noise reduction if your camera has that feature, and remove any and all filters you have on the lens (you will see reflections if you don't)

Now, look through your lens and get an idea of where the shuttle would be in the sky when it is going out of frame on your camera. With an SLR or D-SLR you will not be able to look through your viewfinder during the exposure, so just make a note of where the shuttle will be when you need to close the shutter.

Now get ready, Nasa and the Air Force are notorious for not launching exactly at the scheduled time. Wait until you see the first hint of orange on the horizon from the rocket engines, and click your shutter. Leave it open until the Space shuttle has made it to the point in the sky where you think it will go out of frame, count to 5, then close your shutter. Then just let the camera process the photo, it will take some time.

Go home, and post the photo on Flickr to show off your work.

-Pete
Photographer
Emanon Photography
www.emanonphotography.com

Photography Tip of the Day 8-24

So you want to be a better photographer? Or you at least want other people to think you are a better photographer. Here's the easiest thing you can do... It's so simple you might wonder why you haven't thought about it.

TIP: Don't post and show off every picture you take!

Basically, here's the deal, let's try a little experiment, go onto one of your online Photo Galleries (Facebook, Flickr, Picasa) what ever it doesn't matter. Look through your last album and count how many photos are out of focus, over or under exposed, or just don't have a good subject... If you counted any thing higher then 1, go back in the album and delete the ones you just counted as not good.

One of the reasons professional and even advanced amateur photogs look so good is because they edit and cut out their mistakes. You may only see up to 10% of the photos they actually shoot, maybe even less.

(Bonus Tip: While you are going through counting your images, use your gallery's rotate commands to make sure your photos are right side up)


Have a great day,

-Pete

Photographer
Emanon Photography

http://www.emanonphotogrpahy.com

Photo of the Day 9-23

Beach Family Portraits
Originally uploaded by Emanon Photography

This is one of the photos I shot for this family as part of their beach portrait photo session on Saturday. The two little kids had great personality but proved the saying that children are one of the toughest photography subjects. I was having trouble getting them to both look at the camera at the same time, it was almost as it they were communicating with each other, when one would turn, the other would look away. See more of my work at http://www.emanonphotography.com